The interrelationships among living things and their physical environment are usually numerous and complex. Benefits to animals may be in terms of survival, growth, and reproduction; to humans, greater appreciation and accumulation of wealth. This guidebook shows how school grounds can be managed to increase opportunities for improved instruction and appreciation of the environment. Section 1 offers tips for creating plant patterns that benefit people and create wildlife habitats, discusses the importance of protecting and enhancing existing natural areas, and explains the features of other special projects. One table describes which locations, kinds of plants, and patterns will achieve certain results; another table provides examples of wildlife habitat components and the wildlife that use them. Section 2 describes stages in getting started, including suggestions for developing a planning and implementation committee. The third section provides suggestions for evaluating existing grounds, planning, prioritizing, scheduling, and budgeting. Tips for obtaining materials, equipment, and funding are offered in section 4. The fifth and sixth sections describe ideas for ensuring project continuity and for using the natural area/wildlife habitat for educational purposes. A table identifies ways to evaluate and measure outcomes, using appropriate materials and methods. Lists of resource organizations in Michigan and related literature are included. Three tables and 10 figures are included. (LMI)